Description
Try these honey BBQ chicken bites for a quick, flavorful dinner. Sweet, smoky, and perfect for parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes, toss until fully coated, and let rest for 10 minutes. The brief marination allows the flavors to seep into the meat without overpowering its natural juiciness.
- Preheat the skillet. Place a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat and let it heat up for a minute. A hot pan ensures a nice sear.
- Sear the chicken. Add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Avoid overcrowding; if needed, cook in batches.
- Finish with glaze. Reduce the heat to medium, pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the bites like a glossy glaze.
- Plate and garnish. Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer. This guarantees perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- Don’t rush the sear. A good sear locks in juices and adds a caramelized flavor that complements the sweet glaze.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter bite, add an extra tablespoon of honey; for a tangier profile, increase the BBQ sauce.
- Keep the sauce warm. If you’re serving a crowd, keep the finished bites in a low‑heat oven (200°F) to stay warm.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey bbq chicken bites